1.We plan to bring together like-minded women
2.Women have to face different challenges like balancing work and home
WISTA – Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association Ltd – will soon be launched in India. Ms. Sanjam Sahi Gupta and Ms. Sumeet Sahi, Directors of Sitara Shipping Ltd., have taken the lead to establish the Indian Chapter of WISTA.
Explaining the reason behind launching WISTA in India, Ms. Sanjam Sahi Gupta, in an exclusive talk with Sagar Sandesh, said, “Shipping is still very male dominated. In many instances women executives still have a struggle to reassert their rights in the course of their careers. We want WISTA to be a platform for all women in the shipping industry to excel.”
“We invite women members at management level. Members could include representatives from ship owners, charterers, brokers, agents, insurers, marine personnel, lawyers, banking and finance, risk management, consultants, shipyards, industry organizations and suppliers,” she informed this Correspondent.
The Executive Committee will comprise Ms. Sanjam Sahi Gupta, Ms.Sumeet Sahi and Ms. Rukhsana Vohra, Director, Sai Shipping.
Sharing her personal experience with Sagar Sandesh, Ms. Sanjam Sahi Gupta revealed: “My fascination with the shipping industry began when I was about five years old. My father Capt. Sahi, a veteran in the industry, would enthral us with tales of his experiences at sea. After my graduation I pursued MBA (Family Managed Business Program) in SP Jain Institute of Management and Research. At the same time, I completed my diploma in Shipping Management from Narottam Morarjee Institute of Shipping. My stint in the industry began in 2001. Even when I started off as a trainee in my family business, the attitude of the Managers reflected the tough time they were having in accepting me and my sister as prospective Directors.”
So what is the main aim of WISTA? Ms. Sanjam Sahi Gupta answered lucidly: “WISTA aims to bring together experts and executives for knowledge sharing, discussion and networking. This is a chance for members to meet some of the women in shipping who are shaping the future of their own careers, companies and the industry. My aim is eventually position WISTA India on the forefront of the global shipping industry by providing leadership and educational opportunities to our members.”
Elucidating on the future plans of WISTA, she stated: “In the future, we plan to work closely with some of the major shipping companies to identify and encourage talented young people to pursue a career in this industry. In this regard, we need to see the possibility of introducing young, talented people who hold a bachelor degree (and are looking at making shipping the industry they want to grow in), to a six-month to one year internship in some of the major shipping companies. The selected individuals would be working on real life projects and will be coached by senior members of the industry.”
“However, to start with we will take small steps in that direction. We plan to bring together like-minded women from not only Mumbai but also from all other cities in India. Our initial plans are to have regular meetings, talks by industry leaders, seminars and training programs. The topics for the same will be issues decided by the members themselves. Also, an annual conference will be held to bring together all members from all the cities,” Ms. Sanjam Sahi Gupta said confidently.
Citing the main benefits of WISTA for India’s women interested in creating a niche in the shipping industry, she pointed out: “Our members will benefit in two ways – personally and professionally. Personally, they will benefit from each other’s experiences and we plan to mentor the younger lot. Besides, women have to face different challenges like balancing work and home. Hence, sharing experiences and providing a support system is an essential part of WISTA. Professionally, the networking opportunities are immense as our members will also have a chance to network with other WISTA members in over 30 countries.”
WISTA
In 1974, in the UK a handful of women brokers involved in the tanker market met for a Christmas lunch. They decided to repeat the experience on a regular basis, to exchange views on professional matters of common interest. Over the years, contacts from overseas were invited to join the meeting and the group gradually expanded throughout Europe to include women from other areas of shipping. Within a relatively short period of time 25 women were involved, who decided that an Association should be formed, WISTA was thus born.
In the years that followed WISTA professionalized its organization. Today, WISTA is present in 29 countries including Australia, Canada, China, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany and Italy.
WISTA is a networking organization for women at management level in the maritime industry. WISTA shall:
• Facilitate the exchange of contacts, information and experiences among its members
• Promote and facilitate the education of its members
• Provide liaison with other related institutions and organizations worldwide
For further membership details contact 99207 55617 or email at wistaindia@vsnl.net
2.Women have to face different challenges like balancing work and home
WISTA – Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association Ltd – will soon be launched in India. Ms. Sanjam Sahi Gupta and Ms. Sumeet Sahi, Directors of Sitara Shipping Ltd., have taken the lead to establish the Indian Chapter of WISTA.
Explaining the reason behind launching WISTA in India, Ms. Sanjam Sahi Gupta, in an exclusive talk with Sagar Sandesh, said, “Shipping is still very male dominated. In many instances women executives still have a struggle to reassert their rights in the course of their careers. We want WISTA to be a platform for all women in the shipping industry to excel.”
“We invite women members at management level. Members could include representatives from ship owners, charterers, brokers, agents, insurers, marine personnel, lawyers, banking and finance, risk management, consultants, shipyards, industry organizations and suppliers,” she informed this Correspondent.
The Executive Committee will comprise Ms. Sanjam Sahi Gupta, Ms.Sumeet Sahi and Ms. Rukhsana Vohra, Director, Sai Shipping.
Sharing her personal experience with Sagar Sandesh, Ms. Sanjam Sahi Gupta revealed: “My fascination with the shipping industry began when I was about five years old. My father Capt. Sahi, a veteran in the industry, would enthral us with tales of his experiences at sea. After my graduation I pursued MBA (Family Managed Business Program) in SP Jain Institute of Management and Research. At the same time, I completed my diploma in Shipping Management from Narottam Morarjee Institute of Shipping. My stint in the industry began in 2001. Even when I started off as a trainee in my family business, the attitude of the Managers reflected the tough time they were having in accepting me and my sister as prospective Directors.”
So what is the main aim of WISTA? Ms. Sanjam Sahi Gupta answered lucidly: “WISTA aims to bring together experts and executives for knowledge sharing, discussion and networking. This is a chance for members to meet some of the women in shipping who are shaping the future of their own careers, companies and the industry. My aim is eventually position WISTA India on the forefront of the global shipping industry by providing leadership and educational opportunities to our members.”
Elucidating on the future plans of WISTA, she stated: “In the future, we plan to work closely with some of the major shipping companies to identify and encourage talented young people to pursue a career in this industry. In this regard, we need to see the possibility of introducing young, talented people who hold a bachelor degree (and are looking at making shipping the industry they want to grow in), to a six-month to one year internship in some of the major shipping companies. The selected individuals would be working on real life projects and will be coached by senior members of the industry.”
“However, to start with we will take small steps in that direction. We plan to bring together like-minded women from not only Mumbai but also from all other cities in India. Our initial plans are to have regular meetings, talks by industry leaders, seminars and training programs. The topics for the same will be issues decided by the members themselves. Also, an annual conference will be held to bring together all members from all the cities,” Ms. Sanjam Sahi Gupta said confidently.
Citing the main benefits of WISTA for India’s women interested in creating a niche in the shipping industry, she pointed out: “Our members will benefit in two ways – personally and professionally. Personally, they will benefit from each other’s experiences and we plan to mentor the younger lot. Besides, women have to face different challenges like balancing work and home. Hence, sharing experiences and providing a support system is an essential part of WISTA. Professionally, the networking opportunities are immense as our members will also have a chance to network with other WISTA members in over 30 countries.”
WISTA
In 1974, in the UK a handful of women brokers involved in the tanker market met for a Christmas lunch. They decided to repeat the experience on a regular basis, to exchange views on professional matters of common interest. Over the years, contacts from overseas were invited to join the meeting and the group gradually expanded throughout Europe to include women from other areas of shipping. Within a relatively short period of time 25 women were involved, who decided that an Association should be formed, WISTA was thus born.
In the years that followed WISTA professionalized its organization. Today, WISTA is present in 29 countries including Australia, Canada, China, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany and Italy.
WISTA is a networking organization for women at management level in the maritime industry. WISTA shall:
• Facilitate the exchange of contacts, information and experiences among its members
• Promote and facilitate the education of its members
• Provide liaison with other related institutions and organizations worldwide
For further membership details contact 99207 55617 or email at wistaindia@vsnl.net
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